Artificial Intelligence & Pond Management

As lake and pond management experts, we’re intrigued by the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make our work more efficient, accurate, and impactful. New and exciting capabilities are on the horizon to aid in monitoring, laboratory analysis, and much more. AI has also become an empowering learning tool for community managers, golf course superintendents, private property owners, and other stakeholders to gain immediate answers to any question they may have about caring for their lake or pond. 

We applaud anyone who takes a deeper interest in their waterbodies, but it’s essential to remember that lake and pond management is filled with countless nuisances, considerations, and exceptions. We decided to ask ChatGPT, an AI platform, one of the most common questions we receive from our clients and unpack what we got back. How accurate is AI?

Managing algae in a pond involves a combination of preventive measures and active treatments. 

What the experts say – This is correct! Prevention is key, but if algae does develop, incorporating a variety of solutions can help safely and effectively eliminate it. 

Here are the best strategies to effectively manage algae:

Limit Runoff: Prevent fertilizers, animal waste, and other nutrient-rich materials from entering the pond. Use buffer strips of vegetation around the pond to filter runoff.

What the experts say – Correct. Fertilizers and animal waste, as well as other organic materials like grass clippings and yard debris, contain nutrients like phosphorus. Nuisance algae thrive in water that contains elevated phosphorus levels. Cultivating a buffer of native vegetation not only helps filter these nutrient-rich materials, but may also help stabilize the shoreline to prevent premature erosion.

Shade the Pond: Plant a tree or introduce floating plants like water lilies or submerged plants like anacharis to provide shade, which reduces sunlight penetration and thus limits algae growth. 

What the experts say – This is true, but the risks may outweigh the benefits. Waterbodies that experience intense sunlight may indeed experience increased algal issues, and shade can help slow the process of photosynthesis. However, introducing new plants to increase shade requires careful consideration. 

Though planting a tree along the shoreline can help shield the sun, most trees drop seeds, branches, and leaves throughout the year. This can create debris build-up and significant water quality issues that outweigh any benefits the shade provides. Over time, the large, deep root systems can also degrade the shoreline and interfere with stormwater equipment, potentially causing costly damages.

While anacharis and water lilies could theoretically shade the water column, it’s generally not recommended. Excessive growth can limit circulation and deplete dissolved oxygen (DO), harming aquatic life. Furthermore, distinguishing between different aquatic plants can be challenging, as anacharis and water lilies resemble many invasive species. Consulting with an expert is crucial. Aquatic Biologists rely on lab tests, specialized equipment, and years of experience to accurately identify plants and offer appropriate recommendations.

Aeration: Use aerators or fountains to improve water circulation and oxygen levels, which discourages algae growth and promotes a healthy ecosystem for beneficial bacteria.

What the experts say – That’s correct, but it’s not that simple. Fountains, surface aerators, and submersed aerators are excellent tools to help circulate, oxygenate, and support beneficial fish, plants, and bacteria. However, there’s much more to aeration than simply dropping a fountain in your waterbody. Aquatic Experts will base their recommendations on the shape, depth, acreage, and function of your waterbody. Equipment size, type, and horsepower are key considerations when choosing and placing the most appropriate system. 

In many cases, several types of equipment may be used, such as placing a submersed aerator under or near a fountain to maximize the positive effects. Professionals may also recommend advanced oxygenation solutions like nanobubbles or Oxygen Saturation Technology (OST). Rather than creating turbulence and water movement, they inject DO directly into the water column where it spreads throughout the waterbody and bottom sediments. Ultimately, consulting with a professional will help ensure you achieve your desired outcomes.

Beneficial Bacteria: Add beneficial bacteria products that consume nutrients and compete with algae.

What the experts say – Yes, similar to probiotics, biological bacteria help make the decomposition of nutrient-rich plant matter, animal waste, and other organic materials more efficient. In some cases, experts recommend biologicals as a natural, more cost-effective alternative to dredging.

Algae-Eating Fish: Introduce grass carp to eat algae.

What the experts say – This isn’t quite accurate. Grass carp can be an excellent option for stakeholders who prefer a natural management approach. However, grass carp primarily favor aquatic plants, not algae. With that said, they are voracious eaters, but will not stop once all nuisance weeds are eliminated. If you wish to maintain a few healthy, native plants for aesthetic or recreational purposes, grass carp may not be the right choice. 

In addition, it’s absolutely essential to purchase carp from a reputable source. Grass carp are not native to the U.S., but are safe when sterilized (triploid grass carp). Furthermore, grass carp are not legal to stock in every jurisdiction and may require a permit. If you desire to eliminate aquatic weeds and plants, a professional Fisheries Biologist can help ensure you obtain and stock the carp legally, so you can avoid fines or other penalties.

Manual Removal: Regularly skim and remove algae manually using a rake or net. This is especially effective for filamentous algae.

What the experts say – True, but there’s more you should know. Manual removal is a common management method for filamentous algae, which form dense, floating mats on the water’s surface. Many floating aquatic weeds, such as invasive Water Chestnut (Trapa natans), can also be removed with this method or by hand. 

Keep in mind, many algae and weed species reproduce through fragmentation. This means that any small fragments left behind can quickly repopulate. To remove large infestations, professionals often recommend using a floating mechanical harvester, which contains a cutting mechanism and steel conveyor belt to transfer the cut materials off-site for disposal. Harvesting once or twice a year can help keep undesirable growth in check on most waterbodies. 

Barley Straw: Adding barley straw to the pond can inhibit algae growth as it decomposes and releases natural compounds that limit algae proliferation.

What the experts say – We do not recommend this approach. While we occasionally encounter stakeholders who have tried this “do-it-yourself” solution, we have yet to witness the desired outcome. In fact, we’re usually contacted because something went awry—whether a fish kill occurred due to depleted DO levels or algae growth actually accelerated as the barley decomposed and released excess phosphorus into the water.

Algaecides: Use algaecides specifically designed for pond use. Be cautious with chemical treatments as they can harm fish and plants if not used properly.

What the experts say – This is accurate, but we can’t stress enough the importance of leaving this to the professionals. While many algae control products are available to the public, Aquatic Experts have access to the latest, most highly targeted products that are not available to consumers.

Second, Aquatic Experts are well-trained and licensed in proper application techniques using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Though EPA-registered algaecides are highly researched and safe for use when the label is followed, they can cause bodily and environmental harm when used improperly. 

Likewise, professionals have a deep understanding of the permitting process, which must be strictly followed in many states and jurisdictions. Attempting to navigate the complex process without professional guidance can be difficult and may lead to financial penalties and other consequences. 

Furthermore, the growth you wish to eliminate may not be what you think it is. Many types of algae resemble aquatic weeds, and vice-versa. Watermeal, for example, is an aquatic plant that’s often mistaken for algae due to its minute size and lack of stems or root systems. Applying the wrong product can have detrimental effects on your waterbody.

Algaecides are excellent tools to quickly and safely eliminate nuisance algae, but they are used to treat the symptoms of poor water quality. Algae are likely to return if proactive management solutions are not implemented after a treatment to manage the root cause. When working with a professional, you can rest assured that the long-term health of your waterbody is being prioritized.

Dredging: Over time, organic material accumulates at the bottom of the pond, releasing nutrients as it decomposes. Periodically dredging the pond can remove this nutrient-rich sediment.

What the experts say – Yes. Dredging is highly effective for removing muck and debris that have accumulated, as well as restoring a waterbody back to its original depth and volume. It’s important to note that dredging is one of the most expensive projects a homeowners community or property owner will ever face. Be prepared to save funds for several years.

Monitoring: Regularly test the water for nutrient levels (especially phosphorus) and monitor algae growth. Early detection and intervention can prevent major outbreaks.

What the experts say – Absolutely. Water quality testing is one of the most powerful tools Aquatic Experts use to assess what’s going on below the surface of your waterbody. When tracked over time, these tests can help identify water quality imbalances early on and intervene before problems like algae and weeds manifest. For example, trends suggest nutrient levels are steadily rising, professionals may apply natural nutrient-binding products to restore balance. 

Educate Users: Ensure everyone involved understands the importance of proper pond management practices.

What the experts say – We wholeheartedly agree! Education is the backbone of an effective lake or pond management program. Taking small steps, such as properly disposing of trash and pet waste, bagging grass clippings and yard debris, and reducing fertilizer use, can have a significant positive impact on the health and longevity of our water resources.